Several members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame were on hand for the grand opening of the gallery. Pictured (L-R): Mark D. Sanders, Gary Burr, Pat Alger, Kenny O’Dell, Sonny Curtis, Rory Bourke and Larry Henley. Photo: Bev Moser
NaSHOF inductee Bob DiPiero and wife Leslie. Photo: Alan Mayor
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame finally has a home. The gallery, which opened Sunday (May 19) at the Music City Center, is the first time the revered hall will have a noteworthy physical location.
“It’s a big day for the Nashville songwriting community,” said
Pat Alger, Hall of Fame member and chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. “It took a lot of devoted volunteers a long time to get this done, but after seeing the Hall of Fame Gallery with people standing around it, appreciating the work and using the touch screen displays to learn about the writers behind the songs, I’d say it was well worth it.”
During the grand opening event, several Hall of Fame members were on hand to talk with the visitors, and perform a few of their biggest hits. The Hall of Famers participating included Alger (“Small Town Saturday Night,” “Unanswered Prayers”),
Bill Anderson (“The Tips Of My Fingers,” “Whiskey Lullaby”),
Rory Bourke (“I Know A Heartache When I See One,” “Shadows In The Moonlight”),
Bobby Braddock (“He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “I Want To Talk About Me”),
Sonny Curtis (“I’m No Stranger To The Rain,” “I Fought The Law (And The Law Won)”),
Larry Henley (“Wind Beneath My Wings,” ‘Til I Get It Right”),
Don Schlitz (“The Gambler,” “Forever And Ever Amen”) and
Thom Schuyler (“16th Avenue,” “Love Will Turn You Around”).
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gallery is located in MCC’s lobby adjacent to Sixth Avenue and facing Demonbreun Street. It features songwriting artifacts as well as three 55” touch screens that allow visitors to access sound, video and other information about the history of Nashville-associated songwriting and the 188 members of the Hall of Fame. The names of Hall of Fame members, who come from every genre of music, are engraved in a special outdoor Songwriters Square at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Demonbreun, and on the stone steps leading from Fifth Avenue up to the interior display.
An estimated 15,000 people visited the newly opened Music City Center’s grand opening. See more of
MusicRow’s exclusive coverage.
Established in 1970, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame had a physical location for a brief period decades ago. Each year, four writers are inducted into the Hall. The Hall of Fame is funded and managed by the non-profit Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation.
See the complete list of inductees.
NaSHOF inductee Rory Bourke with the multimedia touchscreen display. Photo: Alan Mayor
NaSHOF inductee Bill Anderson.
Songwriter Alan O'Day Passes
/by Jessica NicholsonA Southern California native, O’Day signed with Warner Bros. Music in 1971. He wrote “Train of Thought” for Cher, “Rock and Roll Heaven” for the Righteous Brothers and “Angie Baby” for Helen Reddy. In 1977, O’Day released the solo effort “Undercover Angel,” which became a No. 1 Billboard hit.
O’Day co-wrote “There’s Only One Ariel” for Disney’s Little Mermaid, as well as nearly 100 songs for the television series Jim Henson’s Muppet Babies.
In February 2013, 1st Phase Records country-recording artist Paul Scott released his debut album Make Me Believe featuring two songs co-written by O’Day, “NASCAR Crazy” and “Uh-Uh (What She Wants).” O’Day’s songs were also recorded by Olivia Newton-John, Anne Murray, Three Dog Night, John Kay, Dave Mason, Johnny Mathis, The 5th Dimension, Larry Carlton, Captain & Tenille, Tom Jones, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson, John Travolta, Dusty Springfield, Bobby Sherman, David Clayton Thomas, Tony Orlando & Dawn, Paul Anka and Gene Pitney.
Funeral services are pending.
George Strait Celebrates 60th No. 1 Single
/by Jessica NicholsonThe UMG Nashville staff celebrates George Strait’s 60th No. 1 hit.
Country Music Hall of Fame member and UMG Nashville artist George Strait became the first music artist in history, regardless of genre, to place 60 songs at the top of the charts when Mediabase named “Give It All We Got Tonight” as this week’s most played song on country radio. The song is the first single from Strait’s new album Love Is Everything, which released last week. “Give It All We Got Tonight” was written by Mark Bright, Tim James and Phil O’Donnell.
“I didn’t realize we were making history — I just hoped we were putting out music that my fans would enjoy,” said Strait. “As always, I’m thankful to the fans and country radio for their support on all 60 of these number one songs as well as my entire career. They are the ones who made this happen.”
Strait fans, radio stations and several country artists joined the “Sixty For Sixty” movement to help Strait earn his 60th No. 1 single, while he was 60 years old. It came down to the wire, as Strait turned 61 over the weekend (on Saturday, May 18).
“The amount of support shown by fans, industry and especially country radio to give George his 60th No. 1 single is the ultimate testament in a format that has been defined by his music,” said Royce Risser, Sr. VP, Promotion for Universal Music Group Nashville. “No one is more deserving of this accomplishment than George Strait, the undeniable King of Country Music. Happy Birthday George!”
Watch Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Lee Ann Womack, Gary Allan, Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelly and Hillary Scott and others congratulate Strait on his 60th No. 1 song.
Artists Announced For CMA Music Festival's Bud Light Stage
/by Jessica NicholsonFree and open to the public, the Bud Light Stage launches on Thursday, June 6 at 10:30 a.m. CT.
“The location of the Bud Light Stage is perfectly situated to provide a place to discover new talent and reconnect with well-known hitmakers,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “This stage was one of our most popular destinations in 2012 and I’m expecting the same level of enthusiasm and attendance again this year.”
Artists performing on the Bud Light Stage at the Bridgestone Arena Plaza include: Lauren Alaina, Dean Alexander, Katie Armiger, Frankie Ballard, Kelleigh Bannen, Big Smo, Bucky Covington, Dailey & Vincent, Sarah Darling, Emerson Drive, Rose Falcon, Andy Gibson, JT Hodges, Chris Janson, Angie Johnson, Krystal Keith, LoCash Cowboys, Robin Meade, Randy Montana, David Lee Murphy, Parmalee, Mac Powell, Michael Ray, Chase Rice, Canaan Smith, Joanna Smith, Chris Stapleton, Steel Magnolia, Pam Tillis with Lorrie Morgan, James Wesley, Chuck Wicks and Drake White.
For more information, visit cmafest.com.
Veronica Ballestrini – Cookies & Cream
/by contributorThe staggering numbers on her social network sites are proof that Veronica has that special ability to connect with people. She has amassed more than 4 million views of her videos on YouTube, and her online fans and followers number well into the hundreds of thousands. Part of Veronica’s success comes from her undeniable Pop-Country crossover appeal. She points out that while she considers her music to be Country, that doesn’t mean that it can’t have its own spin on the genre.
Veronica’s 2009 debut album, What I’m All About, capably demonstrated her unique take on the modern Pop-Country sound. She released three singles and videos from the record (“Amazing,” “Out There Somewhere,” “Don’t Say”), propelling her into the consciousness of Country music fans around the globe and earning more than a quarter-million views of her videos on CMT.com alone. Ballestrini has been out on the road performing her music on a Girl Scout tour, Festival tours, and tours with Secondhand Serenade, Alex Goot, and Juliet Simms of “The Voice”.
Veronica spent the last three years writing songs for her new project. Her sophomore album “Flip Side”is set to release June 17th, 2014. The first single off of the album is “Cookies and Cream”. Veronica’s most focused and polished effort to date. “Cookies and Cream” reflects Veronica’s growth as a more mature singer and a more seasoned songwriter. It’s a process that she acknowledges is a natural evolution in her artistry. “I’ve been hurt, I’ve been broken, I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve also had the best days ever, and I’ve written songs about all these times” Veronica says. “I am excited to share what I’ve been up to. I’m writing from my heart about issues and things I’ve experienced, and hopefully people can identify with that.”
GAC Adds Marketing and Creative Services SVP
/by Jessica NicholsonJen Leitman, SVP – Marketing and Creative Services, Great American Country.
Scripps Networks has added Jennifer Leitman as Sr. VP, Marketing and Creative Services at Great American Country. Leitman will oversee consumer marketing, creative and on-air promotions for the network.
She previously served as vice president, marketing & creative services for Scripps’ Home category, which encompasses HGTV and the DIY Network. Leitman also launched successful large-scale experiential marketing activations that included SXSW, Comic-Con and HGTV Holiday House at Mall of America. She joined HGTV in 2004.
“In her time at Scripps, Jen has repeatedly shown she can successfully define and reinforce brand image, which will be vitally important as we transition Great American Country to a lifestyle brand,” says Sarah Trahern, general manager, Great American Country.
Nominations for 25th Annual MusicRow Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonThe 2013 MusicRow Awards will be hosted at ASCAP’s Nashville headquarters on Tuesday, June 25 at 5:30 p.m.
The MusicRow editorial team selects a group of nominees which is then voted on by the magazine’s subscriber members. In addition, outside nominations are accepted for the Breakthrough Songwriter category, which honors writers and co-writers who scored their first Top 10 hit on MusicRow, Billboard or Mediabase radio charts during the eligibility period (5/1/12 — 4/30/13).
MusicRow will also distribute the Musician All-Star Awards at the ASCAP event, recognizing bass, drums, fiddle, keyboards, steel, vocals and engineer talent with the most top 10 album credits during the eligibility period.
Winners will be profiled in MusicRow’s June/July print magazine, which debuts at the ASCAP ceremony. Voting is now closed.
Click to download the PDF and see the complete list of nominees.
Taylor Swift Dominates Billboard Music Awards
/by Jessica NicholsonTaylor Swift poses in the press room at the Billboard Music Awards
Taylor Swift was the star of the evening at last night’s (May 19) Billboard Music Awards, which aired live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Swift earned eight trophies, including Artist of the Year, Top Female Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Country Artist and Top Digital Songs Artist. Her single “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” was named Top Country Song, while her album RED was named the Top Billboard 200 Album and the Top Country Album.
The 23-year-old singer-songwriter gave thanks to her legion of followers. “To the fans who come to the shows and who buy the albums, I just want you to know one thing,” she said after winning Artist of the Year, “You are the longest and best relationship I’ve had.”
Released in October 2012, RED has sold more than 5.8 million copies worldwide, including 1.2 million during its first week of release in the United States.
Other big winners during the awards show include Madonna, Nicki Minaj and One Direction. Each artist earned three awards apiece.
Nashville Songwriters Team For Songs For Sound Concert
/by Jessica NicholsonFor general admission attendees, the doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 8 p.m.
Sponsors for the evening will enjoy cuisine sponsored by Nashville’s Maggiano’s, PF Chang’s, The Southern and more. Cocktails will be provided and sponsored by Brown-Forman. Doors open for sponsors at 5:30 p.m., with dinner beginning at 6 p.m. Those interested in a sponsorship should contact Jaime Vernon at 615-739-1194.
For ticket information, visit songsforsound.com.
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Celebrates New Home
/by Sarah SkatesSeveral members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame were on hand for the grand opening of the gallery. Pictured (L-R): Mark D. Sanders, Gary Burr, Pat Alger, Kenny O’Dell, Sonny Curtis, Rory Bourke and Larry Henley. Photo: Bev Moser
NaSHOF inductee Bob DiPiero and wife Leslie. Photo: Alan Mayor
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame finally has a home. The gallery, which opened Sunday (May 19) at the Music City Center, is the first time the revered hall will have a noteworthy physical location.
“It’s a big day for the Nashville songwriting community,” said Pat Alger, Hall of Fame member and chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. “It took a lot of devoted volunteers a long time to get this done, but after seeing the Hall of Fame Gallery with people standing around it, appreciating the work and using the touch screen displays to learn about the writers behind the songs, I’d say it was well worth it.”
During the grand opening event, several Hall of Fame members were on hand to talk with the visitors, and perform a few of their biggest hits. The Hall of Famers participating included Alger (“Small Town Saturday Night,” “Unanswered Prayers”), Bill Anderson (“The Tips Of My Fingers,” “Whiskey Lullaby”), Rory Bourke (“I Know A Heartache When I See One,” “Shadows In The Moonlight”), Bobby Braddock (“He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “I Want To Talk About Me”), Sonny Curtis (“I’m No Stranger To The Rain,” “I Fought The Law (And The Law Won)”), Larry Henley (“Wind Beneath My Wings,” ‘Til I Get It Right”), Don Schlitz (“The Gambler,” “Forever And Ever Amen”) and Thom Schuyler (“16th Avenue,” “Love Will Turn You Around”).
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gallery is located in MCC’s lobby adjacent to Sixth Avenue and facing Demonbreun Street. It features songwriting artifacts as well as three 55” touch screens that allow visitors to access sound, video and other information about the history of Nashville-associated songwriting and the 188 members of the Hall of Fame. The names of Hall of Fame members, who come from every genre of music, are engraved in a special outdoor Songwriters Square at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Demonbreun, and on the stone steps leading from Fifth Avenue up to the interior display.
An estimated 15,000 people visited the newly opened Music City Center’s grand opening. See more of MusicRow’s exclusive coverage.
Established in 1970, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame had a physical location for a brief period decades ago. Each year, four writers are inducted into the Hall. The Hall of Fame is funded and managed by the non-profit Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. See the complete list of inductees.
NaSHOF inductee Rory Bourke with the multimedia touchscreen display. Photo: Alan Mayor
NaSHOF inductee Bill Anderson.
ACM Lifting Lives Series Begins at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
/by Jessica NicholsonFor the next eight months, the series will help its 10 participants (ages 20 to 35) learn vocational and social skills aimed at improving the potential for gaining employment in the entertainment industry. The first session, which focused on songwriting, was held April 23. The participants will gain exposure to additional aspects of the music industry, including songwriting, mixing instrumentals and vocals, recording, public relations and performance. Workshops will also include resume writing, networking and interviewing.
Tammy Vice serves as music consultant for the ACM Lifting Lives Series and Sheryl Rogers serves as project manager.
“The Academy of Country Music Lifting Lives has seen the power of music in its sponsorship of the weeklong annual ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center,” said Hannah Martin, manager of ACM Lifting Lives. “If one week each summer can be transformative, we realized we could make an even greater impact by providing a more extended experience. We’re so proud of the generous response of persons at every level of Nashville’s music business, which helps make this possible.”
“We’re thrilled at the fantastic opportunity that ACM Lifting Lives Series at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is providing,” said Elisabeth Dykens, director of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and co-director of its University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. “Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are significantly unemployed or underemployed, when they have so much to offer. Helping to raise employment aspirations and develop employment skills are a high priority at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. ACM Lifting Lives and so many associated with Nashville’s entertainment industry are making a huge difference by providing these vocational experiences.”